1 Killed in Truck Accident on State Highway 105 near Cleveland, TX

Cleveland, TX — December 15, 2024, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 10:45 a.m. on State Highway 105.

Authorities said a semi-truck collided with a Honda Civic at the intersection of SH 105 and Lee Turner Road, west of Cleveland.

The driver of the Honda, a 35-year-old man, died at the scene of the Montgomery County crash, according to authorities. His name has not been released at this time.

The crash reportedly happened after the Honda turned into the path of a semi-truck loaded with tires that was headed west on the highway, authorities said. The car appears to have failed to yield to the truck.

Authorities have not released any additional details about the crash at this point.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

At first glance, it might seem that the driver of the Honda Civic bears responsibility for turning into the path of the semi-truck, but accidents like these often demand a closer look. In my experience, the details released so far only scratch the surface, and further investigation is necessary to ensure all the facts come to light.

When a smaller vehicle collides with a semi-truck, the assumption is often that the driver of the passenger vehicle failed to yield or made a critical error. However, assigning blame without a full investigation could overlook factors that played just as significant a role in the crash. For example:

• Visibility Issues: Was there anything obstructing the Honda driver’s view of the oncoming truck, such as vegetation, signage or road design flaws? At rural intersections, limited sightlines can make it difficult for drivers to judge the distance or speed of an approaching truck.
• Truck Speed: Investigators will need to examine whether the semi-truck was traveling within the posted speed limit. Due to their size and weight, even a slight increase in speed can drastically reduce a truck driver’s ability to avoid a sudden hazard. Engine control module (ECM) data, often referred to as a truck’s “black box,” can reveal the truck’s speed leading up to the collision.
• Braking and Evasive Action: Did the truck driver attempt to brake or steer to avoid the collision? Skid marks, dash camera footage (if available) and witness statements can help reconstruct the truck’s movements before impact.

The fact that the semi-truck was loaded with tires is significant. Investigators should determine whether the cargo’s weight and balance were within legal limits and properly secured. An improperly loaded trailer can affect a truck’s braking ability or make evasive maneuvers more difficult.

Not all intersections are created equal, particularly in rural areas. The investigation should include scrutiny of the traffic controls in the area and the layout of the intersection. Was the intersection laid out in a way that allowed sufficient time for drivers to assess oncoming traffic? Poorly designed intersections can make it difficult to judge the speed and distance of a fast-approaching semi-truck.

Authorities will likely focus their investigation on the actions of both drivers, but they may not have the resources to explore deeper questions, such as mechanical issues, cargo problems or visibility concerns. In cases like this, an independent investigation can help ensure that nothing is missed. This includes examining:

• Truck maintenance records to rule out mechanical failures.
• Driver logs to confirm that the truck driver was operating within federal hours-of-service regulations, which are designed to prevent fatigue.
• The truck’s ECM data to identify critical information about speed, braking, and engine performance.

While it may seem straightforward that the car turned into the truck’s path, it’s important not to make assumptions. In my decades of handling truck accident cases, I’ve learned that crashes like this often involve multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately obvious. Only a thorough investigation can reveal the full story and ensure the correct parties are held accountable.

If there are still unanswered questions about what led to this crash, a deeper look beyond the initial findings may be necessary.